Sri Kailasanathar Temple

Overview

The Sri Kailasanathar temple is based in the residential area mentioned as Thenthiruperai, in the district of Tirunelveli, in the state of Tamil Nadu in Southern India. Arulmigu Ponnammai Sametha Kailasanathar Temple is the 7th Nava Kailasam temple which is dedicated to the God Budha (Planet Mercury). The popular legend of Nandan is associated with this temple. Among the Nava Kailasam, it lies in the upper Kailasam.

About The Temple

The holy tree of this temple is Vilwa. The holy water of this temple is none. The agamam or pooja of this temple is known as Kameeyam. This temple is nearly 500-1000 years old in this region. The historical name of this spot is Thenthiruperai. According to the advice of sage Agasthiya his disiple Romasar let nine lotuses flower to float in the river Thamiraparani. In that, the seventh flower docked here, in the form of Linga, here the lord graces in the form of lotus. As a proof we can see the base of Linga is shaped like a lotus flower. We can see the shrine of Mother Alakiyaponnammai on the right, facing east. In this temple we can see kalaBhairava with six hands, here Lord is considered to be in the form of Vedas, he doesn’t have his usual vehicle dog. During the full moon and the half moon Ashtami there will be special pooja to the lord. Here Vallabha Ganapati, Sakthi Vinayaka, kannimula Ganapati, Siddhivinayak are special to see in the premises. This place is the largest fortified town, “people would say. Town to the south (Then) of the state, since it is known that thentirupperai. Here Nandhi with turban is special. The nearby vishnu temple ( makaranetunkulaikkatar) is one of navatiruppati temple. Perumal in this Temple is in the form of Venus. One who reaches here should worship Perumal which bring prosperity to the family, and it also increase students’ academic confidence. In the Ambal shrine one can see the horn sprouted coconut. The story behind this is surprising. Once, a British collector came to this area, where he rested in a chavady. He ordered his servant to bring him tender coconut. The collector’s servant, went to Coconut farm and asked for it. The farmer refused to give because the coconut was only grown for the anointing of the lord. On hearing this news, the Captain visited the farm angrily and asked the farmer, “Have all your coconuts just bloomed with horns? Shut up and do as I ordered!” The farmer got sad because of the collector’s orders and he prayed to the lord in his heart he plucked one coconut and gave it to the collector. What a surprise! The coconut had three horns in it! Scared, the captain went to the temple and asked forgiveness and donated half a cent for the daily pooja. The coconut is still in the temple.

About The Deity

The primary deity of this temple is Kailasanathar (Lord Shiva) and his consort is none. In this shrine, Lord Shiva graces as a swayambumurthy for the devotees and pilgrims.

Pooja Timings

Offerings

Those who want to get the goodwill of the planet Mercury, has to offer the green clothes, green gram and sugar to the planet Budha and worship.

Rare Facts

In this temple Moon, Guru, Venus on horse chariot, Guru and Venus with eight horses, the sun with 7 horses and moon with 10 horses this is very unique in this temple.

Significance

People visit the temple and pray here for education, for the fulfilment of wishes and for prosperity.

Accessibility

The nearest airport is in Tuticorin. The nearest railways is Alwar Tirunagri Railway Station at 6 Kms. The temple is situated 38 kms from Thirunelveli on Thirunelveli-Thiruchendur Road near Azhwar Thirunagari.

Shlokas

Meaning -Oh Lord Shiva who is seated on Mount Kailash, where the moon decorates his forehead and the king of serpents crown his head, who is merciful and removes delusion, You alone can protect me. I surrender to thee.